GoFundMe raises $180,000 for family of Woodland boat captain who drowned in the Columbia River

The body of the boat captain from Woodland who drowned in the Columbia River last week was recovered Monday morning. A GoFundMe established for his wife and two children had raised more than $180,000 as of Tuesday morning.

Michael Shufeldt, 26, owner of Reel Deal Fishing Adventures, was found in the Columbia River about 1¾ miles west of where he was last seen near the mouth of the White Salmon River, according to the Hood River (Ore.) Sheriff’s Office.

Addicted Fishing created a GoFundMe to support Shufeldt’s family about three days ago. More than 750 donations have been made.

The 24-foot boat Shufeldt was captaining has been recovered by a private salvage company.

The sheriff’s office earlier reported that the boat was likely sunk by a large wave over the stern. Six passengers on the boat were also sent into the water. All six were rescued, though two were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Search and rescue operations began about noon Thursday. Around 2 p.m., the Skamania County Dive Team found the fishing boat at a depth of about 40 feet near the mouth of the White Salmon River.

Weather in the area deteriorated rapidly.

“Conditions at the time of the accident were treacherous, and preliminary evidence suggests a tragic accident,” according to the sheriff’s office.

Hood River County Sheriff’s Office pilots, Columbia River Inter-Tribal police officers and the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search.